A SMALL park in Chadderton has been transformed into a community growing space for local residents.
The Victoria Street Pocket Park has been developed into an accessible space for locals to learn new skills around growing food; something people of all ages can enjoy together.
The scheme aims to link with other projects in the area and further encourage the uptake of additional community activities by empowering locals to take ownership of the garden.
To help with the ongoing maintenance and sustainability of the site Oldham Council’s Chadderton District team arranged / organised a training package to the local residents on how to grow fruit and vegetables.
Cllr Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Co-operatives and ward councillor for Chadderton North, said: “This project supports Oldham Council’s commitment to a co-operative borough. By working together with residents to deliver and maintain schemes like this we can achieve so much more.
“The growing space will allow local people of all ages to learn the benefits of growing food and eating healthily.”
Oldham Council was asked by residents and councillors that live and work near the Victoria Street Pocket Park to develop it into a space the community would feel safe to use.The height of walls has been reduced to improve visibility across the park, shrubs have been removed with new plants introduced and informal seating has been provided.
Funding came from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), with the help of local voluntary group Amana Foundation, and the budgets of Chadderton North councillors.
Cllr Mohon Ali, project lead and councillor for Chadderton North, said: “This is something our ward really needed. The existing park area was out-dated and has attracted anti-social behaviour in recent years.
“I’m delighted that by working together we have been able to provide something which will improve residents’ quality of life and give them the opportunity to become active in their community.”
